CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL UCC
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“For the Beauty of the Earth” |
"I Sing the Praise of Love, Almighty" |
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This week's Hymns sheet music is here. Click the MUSIC image!
Special Music links redirect to videos.
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Strengthen The Church Offering Music Video
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“Welcome!
We are so glad you are here!”
As we enter our church, as we live as members, as we experience important life-cycle events (falling in love, marrying, parenting, baptism, coming out, transitioning, etc.), words of welcome and support, understanding and love are what we all long for. This manifestation of God’s Extravagant Welcome and the justice and social witness that accompany it are the heart of what we hope to show our community and all who walk through the doors of Christ Congregational United Church of Christ.
PEACE BE WITH YOU!
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May 12, 2023
Dear Congregation,
As we approach Mother’s Day on Sunday, I share with you this prayer by Rochelle A. Stackhouse and invite your prayers for all mothers.
Loving God, the prophets have spoken of how you are a mother to us: giving us life, teaching us the way to go, correcting us when wrong, feeding and nurturing us with good things. We are grateful for all your mothering, not only of us, but of all your creation.
We thank you for our own mothers, those who gave us life, those who raised and taught us, those who sacrificed for us. Help us to forgive the times our mothers failed us or hurt us. If our mothers have died, we pray they rest from their labors in the peace of your love.
We ask your blessings and help for all who are mothers. Give them partners along the way, for no one can raise a child alone. Bring healing and help to those mothers who have lost their way and abuse their children. Bring peace to those mothers who have had to relinquish their children to be raised by family or adoptive parents.
Bless those who give so much as foster mothers and grant them the support and resources they need to keep the children in their care healthy and strong. Give help and hope to those women seeking to be mothers who suffer from infertility; especially on this day they need your warm embrace in their pain. And be with those awaiting children by adoption that they might be graced with patience and trust. Bless those who are pregnant and awaiting motherhood that their pregnancies might be healthy and their spirits patient as well.
Be especially with women the world over who are struggling to raise children in the midst of war, of poverty, of oppression, of fear. Be with refugees, the homeless, those caught in abusive relationships.
Strengthen mothers of all nations whose children are soldiers or work in other dangerous professions as they fear for their safety daily. Comfort all mothers whose children have died or are seriously ill and help them to lean on you.
Help us, as members of this church, to take our baptismal promises seriously and act as godmothers and godfathers to the children of the church and as supports to their parents. May we remember always that we are all children of one God.
Grant that all mothers everywhere may hold dear those moments of sheer joy in the presence of their children, never taking them for granted, but thanking you for the privilege of raising your children. Bless all mothers that they might be parents in your image; help them to reach out to you, remembering that you know what it's like to mother the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Happy Mother’s Day!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Candy
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CALENDAR
Sun. May 14 | 10:30 am
Worship in the Garden Chapel
( Weather Permitting)
& Facebook Live
Mon. May 15 | 6:30 pm
Bible Study on Zoom
Thurs. May 18 | 7 pm
Council Meets on Zoom
Sun. May 21 | 10:30 am
Worship in the Sanctuary
& Facebook Live
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USE THE LINKS BELOW FOR
UCC RESOURCES
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The Strengthen The Church Offering will be received on Pentecost Sunday, May 28. |
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Global Ministries offers a weekly prayer for one of our global mission partners. This week's prayer is with Israel and Palestine. To read their mission moment, please click the Global Ministries logo. Below is this week's prayer, let us unite with Israel-Palestine in praying.
O God, in whom we live and move and have our being, through your love in Christ you have called us your own. You bestowed upon us your abundant mercy in forgiving our sins and clothing us in the righteousness of your Son.
In gratitude and in humbleness, we come acknowledging your grace in providing us with the rich blessings of friends and families. Today, we are especially thankful as we think of the gift of our mothers who are an extension of your compassion and care.
We pray today for mothers known to us and for all mothers and fathers around the world who grieve the loss of their sons or daughters to illness, accidents, or prolonged conflict or war.
We lift our special prayers for the peoples of Israel and Palestine. Grant them a new vision for mutual respect and honor that they may see the humanity of one another and work towards a sustainable future for all.
Let not our hearts be troubled, nor let them be afraid; but grant us your peace. May the hope of the resurrection give us the deep comfort and assurance of your abiding love.
Amen.
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Find all UCC podcasts in one feed!
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Launch into Climate Hope!
Have a heart for Creation Justice?Let us hear from you and help you take action locally and in community.
Postcards will arrive soon. Please contact Miriam Grissett to pitch in! You can watch the launch video with a click of the image.
Please call or text 786.362.4051.
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Please click the Election image for a recap of proposed legislation to Florida's Election Laws and recently passed changes which will further infringe on voting rights and election integrity. |
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Governance ZOOM Workshop Led by UCC General Counsel Heather Kimmel
on June 3rd
I hope that you will join UCC General Counsel, Heather Kimmel, on June 3rd to hear about Good Governance and how good governance is essential to effectively equipping the leaders of your church, optimally serving your church's mission and ultimately keeping your church as safe (and responsible) as possible!
Although this workshop for laity AND clergy is provided at no cost to our local churches, we ask that you register in advance here.
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REMEMBERED IN OUR CONTINUING PRAYERS
Jay Harragin, Joan Hansen, Maggie McDowell, Daniel Best,
J.J. Ketzle, Jim and Cindy Ketzle, Carol McCreary, Mary Ellen Prather, Kevin Zhang, Neal and Pam Watkins & family, Frank Tirb,
George Colimorio, Bradley Everhardt and Marsi Ott Miranda,
Rhonda Johnstone Cespedes’ family and friends
Marlyn Baker & family and friends, Dr. Dan Kett and Jean Richardson
For Pastoral Care Needs, please call Pastor Candy directly at 925-640-9289 or you may call and leave a message with the Church Office, 305-235-9381.
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Thank you so much for the generous gifts of your time, treasure and talent in pursuit of A Just World For All! |
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Online Giving – We invite you to use our online giving option as a quick, simple, and secure method to make your pledges and ancillary gifts.
*Please indicate when your giving is other than pledge or plate.*
You may click this image or the
"Online Giving" link on the upper right of our website.
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The Rev. Candace Thomas | Pastor
Graham Bryan | Moderator & President
Jay Harragin | Music Director
Miriam Grissett | Editor
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